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Alabama Home Builders Warn Against Storm Repair Scams
State agency urges caution when hiring contractors after recent storm damage
Jan. 27, 2026 at 8:39pm
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The Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board (HBLB) is warning residents in the River Region to be wary of unlicensed contractors offering storm repair services in the aftermath of a recent damaging storm. The HBLB says these unlicensed contractors often operate as scams, leaving homeowners in a desperate situation. The agency is advising consumers to verify licenses, addresses, and references before hiring any contractors.
Why it matters
Storm damage can leave homeowners vulnerable to unscrupulous contractors looking to take advantage. The HBLB wants to educate consumers on the risks of hiring unlicensed contractors, especially in areas that have been declared disaster zones where unlicensed work can result in felony charges.
The details
The HBLB says that any home repair work over $10,000 requires a licensed homebuilder. They are urging consumers to do their due diligence by getting multiple quotes, asking for references, and verifying a contractor's license and disciplinary history with the HBLB before hiring them. The agency has also deployed investigators to the affected areas to monitor for potential fraud.
- The recent storm caused damage and power outages in the River Region.
- The HBLB issued its warning just days after the storm.
The players
Chip Carden
Executive Director of the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board.
Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board (HBLB)
The state agency responsible for licensing home builders and investigating unlicensed contracting activity, especially in the aftermath of natural disasters.
What they’re saying
“They're hoping to catch people in a desperate situation and then leave.”
— Chip Carden, Executive Director, Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board
“During the time, the governor has declared a disaster area. Which is very important to understand for the contractors that may be thinking about working illegally. If you do unlicensed work in a declared disaster area, it gets escalated to a felony, it's no longer a class a misdemeanor.”
— Chip Carden, Executive Director, Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board
What’s next
The HBLB says it will continue to have investigators on the ground in affected areas to monitor for potential fraud and work with local law enforcement to address any unlicensed contracting activity.
The takeaway
This warning highlights the importance for homeowners to be vigilant when hiring contractors for storm repair work, especially in areas that have been declared disaster zones. Taking the time to verify licenses, references, and past disciplinary history can help protect consumers from falling victim to unscrupulous operators looking to take advantage of vulnerable situations.
